In the late 1970's, Bob and Patty Brower set out to fulfill their dream. They saw the potential in Monterey County as a quality wine growing region, and in 1982 began building what is now known as Château Julien Wine Estate in Carmel Valley, California. This year they are celebrating 26 years in the wine business.

Some people have all the luck, in this case it was me. I got a Ferrari invite to the Nationals at Monza, held on October 26th through the 29th, 2006. Wow, what a thrill. First, this was Michaels retirement party and his last official running of a track for Ferrari. This was a great weekend with all the thrills and excitement of racing (even though I was a spectator). More to come in the following days about this event.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Sangiovese is all that is left.Our last grapes for the 2006 season are still hanging in Carmel Valley at the Estate.Marta Kraftzeck reports as follows "We are essentially 3 brix behind where we were on this date last year. Therefore abour 2-3 weeks behind. hopefully we won't get any rains for the next month and we can pick them in early November or so".

Pictured here is Bob and Patty Brower with Maria Shriver at the Best Buddies Event at the Wine Estate on October 14, 2006. The participants, pictures here, are beginning the race of 100 miles to Hearst Castle from the Estate.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Pictured at the start of the race, at Chateau Julien Wine Estate on October 14th, 2006 is Maria Shriver (1st lady of California). Maria and her brother Anthony raised over 2.5 million dollars to help people with intellectual disabilities.

Pictured with Bob and Patty is the President of Volvo, Anne Belec and her assistant.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Edna Chinn has spent 24% of her life at Chateau Julien. We are celebrating her @$%* birthday at the winery today. See the women of the winery in the attached picture. Are they drinking Chateau Julien??????

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

A recent study by Sensitech (10/09/06) indicates that temperature plays a vital role in the winemaking process, maturation and, very importantly, storage.

The negative effects of temperature fluctuations on wine quality were confirmed in the study, aimed at finding a correlation between high temperature, temperature fluctucations and shelf life as well as a reduced organoleptic profile of the wine.

The study found that wines that were exposed to larger and higher temperature fluctuations were negatively affected on a sensory and chemical level.

What this all means is that wines from other regions of the world may have problems that are not associated with their wine quality, just the shipping so --- Store your wine in a quiet and temperature steady place and enjoy your wine!

Monday, October 09, 2006

A glorious day for California dreamin' - a picture perfect day in weather, temperature and the 49ers won. As a guest of Glenn's you never know who might just show up. Pictured below is Eric Wright (49er retired). Remember him!! Thanks Glenn and Sue for your hospitality!

Friday, October 06, 2006

What do Catechin and Epicatechin's have to do with wine quality? A lot!Research shows that both compounds are found in high concentrations in seed and stems and may be found in the skins of immature grapes. Catechin is a useful indicator of seed extraction in wine. A pattern of high concentration of either of these compounds shows indications of immature grapes, and results in a bitter "cotton mouth" finish in some wines.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Do you think they don't know? This is one of the many scary creatures we have in the vineyard to keep the birds away. The birds are the most distructive to the grapes at harvest. This is a friendly way to shoo them away.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Gewurztraminer is in short supply for 2006. This year we only harvested 11.19 tons that will make approximately 541 cases of wine. We harvested this variety on October 2nd. This wine is normally released just prior to Thanksgiving on the year of harvest.

Last year we harvested 24.65 tons on September 19th that made 1,192 cases of wine.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Monterey County normally recieves about .8 of an inch of rain in October (National Weather Service). At Chateau julien we have already harvested over 200 acres of grapes and are closing in on completion for the year. The only grape left in the field is Sangiovese - pictured here. This is a thick skinned and loose clustered grape and can easily take at least one rainfall. Of course, we have to monitor all the conditions after rain to keep the vineyard and grapes in the best condition possible. We will keep you informed. By the way - We are harvesting Gewurztraminer as this blog is posted!